Protective Effects of Cedrol on Aging-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Aging is a gradual alteration in cells and tissues' homeostasis mechanisms. Oxidative stress is an important contributor to aging. This study investigated the effect of cedrol a natural sesquiterpene on rats' memory and oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiol levels in the hippocampus, cortex, liver, heart, and kidneys of rats and their liver enzymes. Twenty-month-old rats were divided into three groups: cedrol 10 mg/kg, cedrol 5 mg/Kg, and saline treatment for 30 consecutive days. A passive avoidance test was performed in the last 3 days. A group of young 8-week rats was also treated with saline as the control group. The performance of old rats in passive avoidance test memory was impaired compared to young rats. Old rats had increased levels of MDA and decreased total thiol in mentioned tissues compared to young rats. Besides, the AST and ALT liver enzyme levels were higher in old than young rats. Administration of cedrol in old rats improved their performance in the passive avoidance test, decreased the level of MDA, increased total thiol levels, and decreased AST and ALT liver enzymes. Based on the results, cedrol may probably alleviate aging consequences in rats by reducing oxidative stress.